TO THE READER. xci 



that several countries alter the time, and T think almost the man- 

 ner, of fishes breeding, but doubtless of their being in season; 

 as may appear by three rivers in Monmoutiishire, namely, Severn, 

 Wye, and Usk, where Camden Brit. G33, observes, that in the 

 river Wye, salmon are in season from September to April ; and 

 we are certain, that in Thames and Trent, and in most otiier 

 rivers, they be in season the six hotter months. 



Now for the art of catching fish, that is to say, how to make a 

 man that was none, to be an angler by a book ; he that under- 

 takes it. shall undertake a harder task than Mr. Hales,* a most 

 valiant and excellent fencer, who in a printed book called A pri- 

 vate School of Defence, undertook to teach that art or science, 

 and was laughed at for his labor. '^ Not but that many useful 

 thintrs mieht be learnt bv that book, but he was laughed at, 

 because that art was not to be taught by words, but practice ; 

 and so must angling. And note also, that in this discourse I do 

 not undertake to say all that is known, or may be said of it, but 

 I undertake to acquaint the reader with many things that are not 

 usually known to every angler ; and I shall leave gleanings and 

 observations enough to be made out of the experience of all that 

 love and practise this recreation, to which I shall encourage them. 

 For angling may be said to be so like the mathematics, that it 

 can never be fully learnt ; at least not so fully, but that there 

 will still be more new experiments left for the trial of other men 

 that succeed us. 



But I think all that love this game may here learn something 

 that may be worth their money, if they be not poor and needy 

 men ; and in case they be, I then wish them to forbear to buy it; 

 for I write not to get money, but for pleasure, and this discourse 



> Variation. — Than Hales, that in his printed book undertook by it to 

 teach the Art of Fencing. — First edition. In the second, the title of the 

 book is given, and Mr prefixed to his name. — In the third, " a most valiant 

 and excellent fencer" is inserted. 



2 Not but that something useful might be learned out of that book ; but 

 that art was not to be taught by words ; nor is the art of angling. — First 

 edition ; the rest of the paragraph being omitted, which was added 

 (slightly varied from the text) in the second. 



